FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog

California Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger unveiled a second compromise state budget today (remember his first last January?) featuring tax increases that he previously rejected.

Arnold was elected after the previous Democrat Governor Gray Davis with the direction of California public employee unions ran up massive deficits which required bonds and temporary taxes to retire the debt. Davis was recalled and Schwarzenegger was elected to replace him.

California Republicans in the legislature must insist that the Governor make the cuts to balance the budget without raising taxes. Arnold has had five years in office and the California budget has continued to balloon out of control.

Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines of Fresno this afternoon issued the following:

“The proposal put forward today looks remarkably similar to the plan the governor’s office has been negotiating with the Democrats for weeks. Substituting one tax increase for another is not a bipartisan compromise, nor will it solve our long-term budget problems. This budget proposal will still leave a $7 billion hole next year despite nearly $10 billion in higher taxes and new revenue.

“Increasing taxes on hard working Californians, whether temporary or permanent is not only unnecessary, it is irresponsible. Assembly Republicans continue to oppose tax increases because they will hurt families, kill jobs, hinder our economic growth and feed the Democrats’ addiction to higher spending.

“Assembly Republicans understand the importance of passing a responsible budget in a timely manner and will continue to work toward an honest budget that reforms our budget system, encourages economic growth, creates jobs and rejects tax increases.”

Now is the time to JUST SAY NO and make a “STAND” against big government and more taxes.

And, Arnold, California Republicans really don’t care if you speak at the National Republican Convention or not.

Do your job for which you were elected - FIRST.

With the long drawn out Obama announcement of his Vice President and the likelihood that he will choose Senator Evan Byah of Indiana, Flap has concluded that John McCain will choose Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota as his choice for Vice President.

John makes the case about a “safe choice” for McCain and with today’s latest polls showing steady improvement in the polls, McCain does NOT need a blockbuster choice, like a Joe Lieberman or Tom Ridge.

John McCain will play it very safe and choose Pawlenty who conventional wisdom acknowledged and annointed months ago.

Stay tuned……

Rudy Giuliani has been asked to deliver the keynote address at the Republican National Convention next month in Minnesota.

What a great choice. Rudy on the oratorical attack.

This ends the speculation that Rudy would be John McCain’s Vice President choice. But, Flap maintains that Governor of Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty, will LIKELY be McCain’s choice.

Update:

Here is the Republican National Committee list of speakers:

A number of polls are out today that show John McCain with a slight lead over Barack Obama. This is a dramatic turn around in the Presidential race.

Looking at the Electoral College Map above, the race is virtually tied:

A tally of 270 Electoral College votes are required to win the Presidency.

As of today, it looks like the race may come down to Virginia, where Barack Obama is campaigning the next several days. Does this forecast an Obama selection of Virginia Governor Tim Kaine as his Vice President?

Stay tuned as the race remains fluid.

Update:

The Real Clear Politics Electoral Map shows McCain with a slight lead and an Electoral vote majority:

It continues to get worse for John Edwards. And the Learjet?

On the bright side, Mickey Kaus says the baby might be a photoshop.

You think?